The Monstrous Grand Duke’s Fake Lady

Vivian’s heart was thumping like mad as she stepped out from the shadow of the pillar. She just couldn’t swallow the fact that a moment’s mistake would lead to this kind of tragedy, regardless of her wariness during the day.

Even while panicking, she still bowed her head quickly. To make things even worse, unlike during the day, her hair was already loosened back to its previously tousled state—appearing just as it was.

What should I do if he recognizes me by chance? How should I inform this matter to Young Lady Alexia? Above all, what exactly should I say to Knox—the Grand Duke—right now? All of the thoughts that were pervading in her mind had made Vivian’s head feel just as heavy.

As he glanced upon Vivian, who appeared to be trembling while bowing her head approximately in ninety degrees, he immediately frowned.

“That voice… This is my first time hearing it. Are you someone who’s not from around here?”

Ah!

“…yes. I am accompanying My Lady for this event.”

“I just can’t believe that you’re here at this hour. You weren’t able to fall asleep?”

“Ah, that is…”

Without realizing it, Vivian was just about to tell him in regard to the fun times that the servants enjoyed. Nevertheless, she kept her lips closed immediately.

For the sake of the other servants, as well as the Grand Duke’s, she thought that it would be much better not to mention it at all. Instead, Vivian flashed her broad smile.

“Yes. The night air felt incredibly great, which therefore made me walk quite aimlessly before reaching all the way here.”

“Well, this is quite a pleasant place to enjoy the scenery. This is why I asked for my accommodation to be located here—just for that particular purpose.”

Knox seemed to agree with what Vivian had said before brushing his hands against the pillars. When the finely chiseled marble was felt under his touch, only then did Knox raise his eyes yet again to direct his focus straight towards where he could vaguely see the figure of a person.

“Which family are you working for?”

“……”

“Can’t you say it?”

“I am under the care of the Young Countess of Britton.”

Knox’s eyes immediately flew wide open to the words emitted by Vivian.

“Is this a coincidence… I really hope to see her, but I never thought that I’d be meeting her maid right here.”

He rubbed his chin before bursting into laughter. Then, he surprisingly revealed his soft smile—as if he was fondly thinking of her.

“Is she doing well?”

“Yes. I think that she is having a great time since she was able to meet up with her friends after such a long time.”

“Did she ever talk about me?”

Knox, who tried to say that with a casual tone, quickly turned his head. His face that was tinged with a subtle red under the moonlight, had seemed to reveal his embarrassment.

Then, Knox shot her a stare as she didn’t give any response before shaking his head.

“Huff. There’d be no way that a mere maid would know something like that.”

“My Lady would always get embarrassed whenever she talks about Your Highness. Nevertheless, I am not aware of anything beyond that.”

“Are you saying that she is somehow conscious of me?”

Knox unveiled a smile filled with relief at her words. His sudden smile had made Vivian feel like her heart was pierced with a razor-sharp thorn.

“I’m sure that I don’t need to say anything more if you already knew who I am. But then, are you not afraid of me?”

“I……”

She was hesitating over her own answer.

What should I say? Well actually, yes. But right after I met you… no? You are unexpectedly gentle and much more sentimental than I thought. Therefore, you don’t appear like a monster at all? In fact, I find you as someone kind, so I enjoyed being together with you?

Nothing could truly be expressed. At the very least, when she stood right there in front of him while carrying the name; ‘Vivian’—she couldn’t even utter a single word to him.

Vivian tried to look for the appropriate words for quite some time. Words that were enunciated casually by the others. As she recalled the memories, which were related to him, the words that Vivian could utter were extremely limited.

“I am not afraid of you, Grand Duke.”

“…Really? You’re quite unique—just like your master.”

Knox’s face was beaming as he alluded to Alexia.

He then took his hand off the pillar before taking a step closer to her.

“Many others have found me scary, so they just exaggerate the rumors surrounding me while staying away from me. But still, thanks to that, I can actually enjoy my life freely.”

He remarked while caressing Vivian’s head. His hand felt extremely gentle, just like he was stroking a child rather lovingly. Her hair that appeared even darker than the night sky was entangling all over his big hand.